2017 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

“It’s fantastic. It’s wonderful, wonderful, wonderful” are the words of none other than Jeremy Clarkson when summing up the V12 Vantage, in what became one of Top Gear’s most memorable and passionate automotive videos ever created.

Since its launch in 2009, the V12 Vantage combined Aston Martin’s most powerful V12 engine with the lightest and smallest body in the range. In May 2013 Aston Martin introduced the V12 Vantage S. Lighter, more powerful, and more extreme, it became the most sporting series-production Aston Martin built at the time.

In 2013 the V12 Vantage S was the fastest series-production Aston Martin yet, reaching 205 mph with 0–60 mph achieved in 3.5 seconds. Power came from the AM28 5.9-litre V12, rated at 565 bhp, 55 bhp more than the earlier V12 Vantage. Of more practical importance was the improved torque delivery: an additional 70 Nm was available from just 1000 rpm compared to the previous engine. This was managed by a new Bosch engine management system, unique to the V12 Vantage S. The car was fitted with Adaptive Damping with three stages (normal, sport, track). Aerodynamic efficiency was also improved, with a new carbon fibre front grille with vertical spars inspired by the CC100 Concept Car, designed to maximise cooling and balance.

First registered in February 2017, this example comes from the final year of V12 Vantage S production and is equipped with the later 7-speed Sportshift III gearbox, which delivers near seamless gearchanges at high engine speeds. This transmission allows the V12 to perform at its full potential and is a notable improvement over the earlier conventional manual, which was not offered at all during the first three years of V12 Vantage S production. The car has covered only 20,000 miles from new and is finished in the striking combination of Onyx Black with an Obsidian Black leather interior, Silver contrast stitching, and matching Obsidian Black carpets.